To demonstrate cork building materials made by Amorim Isolamento, Pedro de Azambuja Varela, Maria João de Oliveira and Emmanuel Novo created a vaulted cork pavilion for Concreta 2013 (a biennial building fair held at Exponor, Porto) while studying in the Digital Architecture Advanced Studies Course at CEAAD.

“This construction started out as challenge to materialize concepts and investigation developed within CEAAD 2012/2013, all related with expanded cork agglomerate.” say the students. “These concepts are: the possibility to span vaults with cork alone, a compound translucent cork material, and a system for radiation and acoustic optimization. All these concepts ought to be shown within the pavillion in a symbiotic relation formalized by the continuous and metamorphic shape.”

“Architectonic space lies within an inter-relation between inner and outer space, promoting dynamic fluxes and circulation all around the construction. The outside provides circulation and rest areas, where people can relax in benches or wavy forms. The inside is a tunnel like space that has a continuous bench and an exhibition space, where people can find shelter from the trade fair harsh noise and lights. All this was formalized as a shape that grows from the floor creating a smooth transition between the floor and vaulted roof.”

“Cork characteristics were a main driving force to the space conception. The floor and walls are smooth and soft, and the smell is very particular. Inside the space one has the feeling of being inside another environment, such is the effect of changing light, sound, smell and touch. The grass in the exterior – showing the possibility of using cork on living roofs – creates a symbiosis of living plants and cork bark.”